SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium is releasing a children’s book to raise funds to help care for sea turtles in the wild, in the lead up to World Turtle Day on Sunday.
The story is written and illustrated by artist, turtle lover and SEA LIFE team member Kirsty Esson.
It tells the true story of Iluka, a hybrid turtle hatchling who came into the care of SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast in February 2020 and was released back into the ocean in March 2021.
Visitors to the Aquarium on Sunday will be able to enjoy live readings of Iluka the Hybrid Hatchling from 10am-2pm. The new book will be available online and in the Aquarium’s gift store from Sunday onwards.
Retailing at just $15, 100% of profits from the sale of the book will be donated to registered charity the SEA LIFE Trust, which will in turn utilise the funds on conservation campaigns, scientific research and inspiring education, all in the name of the sea turtle.
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“I loved working with Iluka while he was with us at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast and I’m so pleased that we have created this beautiful book to tell his story and help raise funds for the SEA LIFE Trust. The story explores the dangers turtles face in the wild and how Iluka was cared for and monitored ahead of being released back into the ocean,” Veterinary Nurse at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Brittany Atwood said.
During the past 30 years, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast has taken a proactive role in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine turtles to ensure that they are conserved and sustained for future generations.
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The Aquarium’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is behind the scenes due to the high level of care the team need to provide each turtle and the Queensland Government’s policy not to publicly display injured turtles at this time.
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast runs a Behind the Scenes Tour, which gives guests the unique opportunity to visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, meet the rescued sea turtles and learn how the team aid in their recovery.
Iluka the Hybrid Hatchling is also available as a part of a beautiful set of books, in collaboration with other Australian and New Zealand SEA LIFE attractions including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium.
For further information about Iluka the Hybrid Hatchling, visit: www.visitsealife.com/sunshine-coast/information/news/launch-of-new-turtle-books/
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is open Thursday-Monday during the school term and seven days a week during the school holidays. All visitors must pre-book their tickets online in advance.
